Monodactylus argenteus

Source: Kattegat Centeret - Kasper Hareskov Tygesen

Source: JJPhoto.dk

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Facts

Latin name	Monodactylus argenteus - (Linnaeus, 1758)
Local name	Mono Argentus
Family	Monodactylidae - Monodactylus
Origin	East Indian Ocean, West Indian Ocean, Australia, Indonesia
Max length	25 cm (9.8")

As aquarium fish

Minimum volume	500 l (132 gal)
Hardiness	Average
Suitable for aquarium	Suitable with care
Reef safe	Reef safe with caution
Aggressiveness	Mostly peaceful but might be aggressive towards similar species

Feed

Recommended	Larger crustaceans (Shrimp, crabs...) Macroalgea (Eg. seaweed / nori) Small crustaceans (Krill, mysis, artemia...)
Maybee	Fish

Beware of

Can be a threat to small fish

This spicies might be a threat to smaller fishes.

Keep in mind

Requires a varied diet

This species must be fed with an appropriately varied diet.

Frequent feeding

This species requires frequent feeding, at least a couple of times per day.

Heavy load

This species eats a great deal and demands an aquarium that can tolerate such a heavy load.

Sensitive during transportation

This species is very sensitive during transportation and acclimatizing into the aquarium.

Acclimitises best as a juvenile

This species will better acclimatize to the aquarium`s condition if introduced, when young.

Very small individuals can be very delicate.

Requires plenty of space for swimming.

This species revels in swimming and requires an aquarium with ample space.

Changes colour when frightened

This species changes colour when afraid.

Typically, they become pale or brownish.

Can coexist with its own species

Several specimen of this species can coexist in the same aquarium, provided they are introduced simultaneously.

Bred in captivity

This species can be bred in captivity, one can therefore consider asking your local fish store for a captive bred specimen.

Descriptions and further reading

Family description (Monodactylidae)

Moonfish (Monodactylidae) are unique, with their special shape and that they have a reflective skin. They are seldom kept in private aquaria, but seen occasionally.

They normally live in brackish water, but can get used to water with a salinity of around 35 (specific gravity 1.026). Larger individuals do better in salt water. Adult fish don´t thrive when moved from their environment, this must be taken into account when these fish are acquired

It is important to mimic their natural environment with proper hiding places, plenty of macroalgae and tree roots.

Because they have the the tendency to swim directly into the glass when frightened, this must be avoided. i.e. dim the light gradually and permanently have a nightlight on.

FishBase

Aquarium trade	Yes
Distribution	Indo-West Pacific: Red Sea and East Africa (Ref. 7293) to Samoa, north to the Yaeyamas, south to New Caledonia and Australia (Ref. 4959). Known from the freshwater tidal zone of the Mekong delta (Ref. 12693).
English common names	Silver moony Silver moonfish Silvery moony Silver batfish Diamondfish Finger fish Mono
German common names	Silberflossenblatt
French common names	Lune d'argent Breton Poisson lune argenté
Danish common names	Almindelig månefisk

References and further reading

About references

Scott W. Michael. 2004. Angelfishes and Butterflyfishes (Reef Fishes Series Book 3) TFH Publications / Microcosm Ltd. - (English)
Bob Fenner. Marvelous Monos; the Moonfishes, Finger Fishes, family Monodactylidae - Wet Web Media - (English)
WWM Crew. FAQs about Monos or Fingerfishes, Family Monodactylidae - Wet Web Media - (English)